Budai Port constitutes the largest coastal port in Chiayi, accommodating the highest number of rafts. Renowned for its abundant seafood resources, it is particularly famed for oyster cultivation. Budai Fishing Port sits adjacent to Budai Sea Bus.
Introduction
Established in 2004, the Sea Bus represents Chiayi’s inaugural legalized sightseeing and recreational raft. Visitors to this place can embark on boat tours of Budai Port, relishing in the scenic beauty of the western coastline, encompassing land, sandbars, and the top islet, offshore ranches, and intertidal zones. The peak season for oyster production falls in summer, and guests can even partake in DIY oyster barbecues and savor a Fisherman’s Seafood Feast.
Mr. Chen Guan Kui, the proprietor of the Sea Bus, grew up in Budai. Returning to his hometown after leaving his job at an electronics company, he aspired to transform the area into a leisure hub that integrated aspects of local ecology, culture, and recreational pursuits. His vision is to attract more visitors to Budai, fostering an appreciation for the local culture while moving towards sustainable carbon reduction. Through these tours, he aims to raise awareness about marine conservation and responsible ocean stewardship.
Features of Agricultural Tourism
recreation fishery
To enhance visitors’ understanding of oysters and oyster farming culture, Captain Chen personally crafted various teaching aids, including scaled-down versions of oyster sheds and frames. These aids provide a clear understanding of the five methods of oyster farming in Budai. With a history dating back approximately 70 years, oyster farming in Budai has evolved from simple methods such as direct scattering of oyster shells on beaches, and pinning an oyster to a pole, to more efficient techniques such as hanging, standing sheds, and floating sheds. Visitors aboard the Sea Bus can witness the hanging and floating oyster sheds currently in use. Additionally, demonstrations of sun-drying oyster shells and punching holes are available on-site. Sun-drying removes organisms attached to the shells, which are then sorted and punched with holes before being strung together and placed in the sea. Oyster larvae incubate and thrive during the autumn and winter. They settle and grow on these shells, thus completing the oyster farming process.
For shellfish gatherers, timing is crucial, and the collection of oysters is tide-dependent. Therefore, it is necessary to make reservations in advance to take the Sea Bus and visit the “Deserted Island Cake Beach” for shellfish harvesting. After listening to the instructional materials on the shore, it’s time to embark on a joyful boat trip! The entire journey takes about 1.5 hours, during which you can also enjoy prepared seafood dishes such as squid, shrimp, and grouper fish ball soup on the return trip, a great time indeed for both adults and children alike.
Information
TEL
886+05 347 5555
ADD
No. 1, Zhongzheng Rd., Budai Township, Chiayi County 625002 , Taiwan (R.O.C.)
